WHO IS EKREM IMAMOGLU?

Ekrem İmamoğlu is the elected Mayor of Istanbul and a leading figure in Turkey’s opposition movement. As a senior member of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), he has emerged as President Erdoğan’s most prominent rival and a key symbol of pro-democracy resistance in Türkiye.

İmamoğlu gained national and international attention in 2019 after winning the Istanbul mayoral election — a result that was controversially annulled by the government. He went on to win the revote by an even wider margin, making headlines as a rising democratic leader capable of challenging the ruling establishment.

Seen by many as a future presidential candidate, İmamoğlu is known for his inclusive rhetoric, calm leadership, and his calls for a more just, modern, and democratic Türkiye. His stance against authoritarianism and commitment to civil liberties have inspired mass protests in Turkey, opposition rallies, and pro-democracy demonstrations.

In 2024, İmamoğlu was jailed on politically motivated charges involving corruption allegations and terrorism-related accusations, widely condemned as part of Turkey’s judicial crackdown on dissent. Observers, including Human Rights Watch, the Council of Europe, and an EU delegation, criticized the ruling as an attempt to block his path to the presidency.

His imprisonment at Marmara Prison sparked international outrage, with hashtags like #FreeImamoglu and #StandWithImamoglu trending across platforms. The case has drawn further scrutiny amid reports of social media censorship, X (formerly Twitter) account restrictions, and growing concerns over freedom of expression in Turkey.

This latest crackdown has deepened fears about Turkey’s democratic backsliding, exacerbated the economic crisis, and shaken foreign investor confidence, triggering market instability and a further plunge in the Turkish lira.

Global headlines now include phrases such as “Imamoglu jailed”, “Erdogan’s main rival arrested”, and “Democracy under threat in Turkey” — reinforcing İmamoğlu’s role as a pivotal figure in the struggle for democratic change.